The review of post-18 education launched by the Prime Minister faces some knotty problems to untangle over higher education funding and student finance, but in itself adds another thread to the tapestry of changes woven around the sector, says Diana Beech, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Higher Education Policy Institute.

Staffordshire University is aiming for significant growth in apprenticeships with the launch of £17m digital apprenticeships and skills hub that offers a model for the rest of the sector, says its Pro Vice Chancellor ( Partnerships and Region), Professor Ieuan Ellis.

Sixty one universities could face "widespread disruption" next month, the University and College Union has warned, after its members overwhelmingly backed industrial action in a row over potential changes to their pensions in the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

New universities dominate the top positions in a new league table that ranks institutions according to their green credentials.

The universities of Plymouth, Worcester, and Nottingham Trent occupy the first three positions in this year's rankings from the student national campaign group People & Planet.

A total of 20 new universities out of 30 institutions have been awarded "First class honours" in the table that awards points for a range of green measures including environmental policy and the number of staff supporting it, ethical investments, carbon management, energy use, recycling, and upholding workers' rights.

Newcastle is the top ranking Russell Group university, in 13th place, followed by Leeds in 30th position, Exeter ranked 36th and Nottingham in 42nd place.

The rankings also award 23 institutions with a "Fail" for their relatively poor scores across the table's 13 measures.

Commenting on the University of Worcester's move up into 2nd place from 4th last year, Professor David Green, the University's Vice-Chancellor, said: